Research summary
Socially engaged theatre is any performance that comments on or raises awareness about social issues. As Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi is leading a range of projects focused on exploring how theatre and performance in Saskatchewan can initiate dialogue around issues of race relations, belonging, social justice and human rights.
Afolabi and his research team are creating innovative artistic programs in socially engaged theatre and mobilizing ideas from the community to inform policies that will bring traditionally marginalized voices to the centre. They are conducting their research in three interconnected phases. First, they are exploring theatre and policing as a way to collectively address racism and oppression. Second, they are engaging in immigration theatre that explores ideas around expectations, belonging and identity. Lastly, they are developing plays that inform policy and connect theatre and the community.